Hurricanes hooker joins Gloucester

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Gloucester have signed hooker Motu Matu'u from Super Rugby outfit the Hurricanes for the 2016/2017 Premiership season.

The Wellington-born front-row adds plenty of international and Super Rugby experience to Gloucester's front row resources.

Matu'u is known for his physicality around the field, and the tough tackling 28-year-old also boasts a strong defence and impressive work ethic.

A former team-mate of current Gloucester favourite Jeremy Thrush, Matu'u is currently involved in the latest Super Rugby season, with the Wellington based franchise looking to go one better than last season's runners-up spot.

Matu'u made his provincial debut for Wellington Lions v Wairarapa-Bush in 2009, and has made 42 appearances to date for the Westpac Stadium based team.

In 2012, Matu'u made his mark for the Hurricanes against the Stormers, and, ahead of the new Super Rugby season, had made 33 appearances, scoring three times, with his game time shared with All Black hooker Dane Coles.

He is capped internationally by Samoa, and made his debut for the Pacific Islanders in the 2015 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup.

His form for both club and country led to Motu being named in the Samoa squad for Rugby World Cup 2015, appearing in all four pool stage games, starting the fixture against South Africa and scoring a try against Scotland.

Director of rugby David Humphreys spoke of his delight at signing the powerful hooker.

"Motu is a player that we are delighted to be bringing to the club, and I know that he is really looking forward to be heading to the Northern Hemisphere," he said.

"His powerful, abrasive style of play is well suited to the Premiership and he will add further strength in depth to the Gloucester front five."

Meanwhile, Matu'u is looking forward to joining the Cherry and White ranks.

"I am very proud and excited to be given the opportunity to add to the legacy already in place at a traditionally strong club like Gloucester," he said.

"I hope to be able to play my part in helping the team achieve success in the Premiership and in Europe. I cannot wait to meet my new team-mates and the people of Gloucester."